Fashion Designer Manish Malhotra’s 5-Floor Townhouse in Bandra

Manish Malhotra has built his ready-to-wear brand from the ground up over the past nearly two decades, beginning as an awestruck pre-teen at his Sheetal Design Studio shows, to his seamless translation of on-screen styling to off-screen, and his most recent partnership with Reliance Brands, which promises a global course. But, despite three decades of design, a footprint of over 35,000 square feet across the country, over 500 films, and nearly 9 million Instagram followers, Malhotra’s underlying ethos has remained consistent: a signature dose of glamour, a blend of contemporary and traditional, a focus on textural detailing, and an inspired colour palette.

Manish Malhotra’s five-story home is nestled on Bandra’s Pali Hill, amid a green bylane. His house is a natural expression of his sensibilities. But not in a “hit you over the head” kind of way, with no embellished throws, cushions, upholstery, bright colours, and so on. Malhotra’s impeccable attention to detail and his blend of vintage and modern.

That’s exactly what Manish Malhotra told Gauri Khan about the 5,000 square feet he’s adding to the existing 11,000-square-foot mansion, which he designed in partnership with the interior designer. “It’s an extension, as well as a fresh look.” I want it to be more modern and basic, yet still feel like a home; it must have my art and individuality. I also want a strong ‘Made in India’ emphasis, with a concentration on youthful talent.

Manish Malhotra’s passion for cutlery and glassware shines through as he decorates tabletops with framed family photos, fresh flowers, and other accessories. “There’s nothing like a chandelier to add a touch of old-world beauty to my home.”

Gauri Khan recently remodelled the study-cum-fittings room. Bold striped wallpaper, houndstooth upholstery, and soft colours provide a wonderful understated backdrop for Malhotra’s lavishly decorated apparel. “I would work 48 hours a day if I could. And who better than Gauri to design my workspace?” says Manish Malhotra.

Fresh flowers are always on top of Gauri Khan’s chequered console table, and an Andy Warhol-esque Marilyn Monroe artwork by Chintan Upadhyay is displayed on the neighbouring wall. “Some like Monroe’s compassion, while others admire her never-ending efforts to make her life more rewarding.” I adore all of her characteristics, and this painting reflects all of her colours.

Malhotra moved into this townhouse, an outlier in a city known for its skyscrapers, seven years ago, and set out with designer Kunal Shah to transform it into a haven for him and his parents, complete with their own personal floors, a lounge and dining area, and the terrace, all in accordance with Vastu and Feng Shui principles. “It was really essential to me to buy a home.” When I saw this mansion, I was filming Ae Dil Hai Mushkil in London. I was really fascinated by the city’s design, all of the details, the use of wood, pillars, and mouldings, the light-grey palette, and the continual blending of old and modern.

A rich burgundy velvet sofa with dramatic flared arms gives a signature glam touch to the décor. It’s combined with a tufted, antique leather sofa that has a typical grunge vibe to it. A photograph of New York in the 1970s adds to the mood, as does an untitled painting of “a man looking forward and up in life.” Manish Malhotra’s favourite piece is a fine silk Persian carpet.

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